Change spare tire on a 2003 Dodge Dakota?

Answer 1

To drop down the spare tire from under the bed, insert the larger square end into the hole which is near the license plate until it fits over the cranking mechanism. On the small end of the long piece now sticking out from the hole near the license plate, slide the crank over the end until it is past the small silver check-ball. Then turn the crank counter-clockwise to lower the tire all the way to the ground. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Lift up vehicle and support. Remove the old tire from the vehicle using the tire tools from the case which is located under the passenger-side back seat in the Extra Cab and Club Cab models. Find the long piece in the pouch with a larger square tip on one end than the other.

To remove the spare tire from the cable, lift the tire and push the steel sleeve at the end of the cable through the hole in the center of the rim.

To replace the spare, do these steps in reverse. BE CAREFUL to center the metal sleeve at the end of the cable and fit it snugly below the tire before you crank it up.